LA Times: Turner tries to smooth things over with Tyler Perry over ‘Boondocks’ parody
Although Tyler Perry has not said a word publicly, insiders are saying he was might upset by the “Boondocks” parody of him that aired June 20 on Turner Entertainment’s Adult Swim network. Making it more awkward: he works closely with TBS on “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and “Meet the Browns.”
Aaron McGruder, the creator of the “Boondocks,” created a thinly disguised Perry-like character named Winston Jerome (apparently, the original name was too close to Perry so execs insisted he change it.) In the episode, Jerome, who dresses up like Madea in his plays, used religion to cover up the fact he is gay.
The Los Angeles Times, using unnamed sources, got some inside scoop on Perry’s reaction:
Soon after the episode aired, Perry got in touch with executives at Turner including entertainment chief Steve Koonin and Phil Kent, the chief executive of Turner Broadcasting. Perry complained loudly about the episode and even threatened to rethink his relationship with the company, people familiar with the situation said. A spokesman for Perry declined to comment.
Ken Sunshine, a Perry spokesman, declined to me, too.
Tim DeClaire, a spokemsan for Adult Swim, declined comment as well about whether the network plans to air that “Boondocks” again.
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210 comments Add your comment
Yes...but....
July 1st, 2010
12:54 pm
It’s not a matter of free speech necessarily…it’s about Turner respecting a business relationship with one of its biggest stars and business partners. Do I think that it’s OK that that the Boondocks creator did a send up of Perry regarding free speech???? Sure, but, it’s commercial speech that’s involved. Perry has a right to feel the that network doesn’t have his best interests on the table when they allow lesser “talent” to spoof Perry. Turner was all about the might $$$ and couldn’t care less about the the hired talent going after each other with knives..and Perry has a right to be angry about it.
As an earlier poster said, maybe he should simply count his money and shut up…or better yet, he should make a movie “spoofing” all of the Turner and Hollywood execs that he’s has to do battle with over the years…as well as all of his artistic detractors (re Spike Lee, Aaron McGruder) with the mighty chips on their shoulders
Sarah
July 1st, 2010
12:55 pm
Sarah Palin blows!! Boondocks is funny, Tyler Perry is funny. If Perry’s gay, who gives a fart? Keep entertaining and keep making money (both parties)
Red Dog
July 1st, 2010
12:55 pm
Boondocks is protected under parody and satire. SNL does skits of people all the time and no one sues them. The fact that he is mad, is a definite indication (like we already didnt know) he is gay. PLEASE TAKE THOSE COONING SHOWS SOMEWHERE ELSE! THEY’RE TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just a Thought
July 1st, 2010
12:57 pm
UM, let’s look at this from another perspective. He works with this company on two shows and is obviously not happy with the parody. If you have a working relationship with people and something of this nature comes out, and you find it offensive, then you will respond. Tyler is a successful man who is doing his thing, and frankly if I had a business relationship with someone and they did something like this against my wishes, without my knowledge, approval, or whatever, I would probably have something to say too. Sure to us the Boondocks episode is funny, but if a person feels personally attacked by people they trust, they are going to be upset.
Mr. Adams
July 1st, 2010
12:59 pm
Tyler Perry has the right to be upset about the parody. And who are we to attempt to judge him. Whether Tyler was gay is gay or not, or was in his past, is none of our business. It is so sad to see other african american people bashing the ones that create opportunity for us. If this Black Man had not reached for his dreams; alot of actors would be unemployed or not used. You people have no clue.
Khalli Vegas
July 1st, 2010
1:00 pm
I thought the best part of the parody was not the obvious gay reference but how truly predictable his plays are and folks can scream all they want about his millions and applaud putting African Americans to work but dude is a hack, so can’t wait for the release “Why Did I Get Married pt 4, 5, 6 etc
teeia
July 1st, 2010
1:01 pm
I never realized that Tyler Perry wasn’t openly gay. He’s dated colleagues of mine in the past, and while he may not be “flamboyant”, I never realized it was something he was actively trying to hide. But a cartoon insinuates that he’s gay, and TP decides to throw a fit and threaten Turner? Just sayin’- If he’s trying to keep the gay from gettin’ out, methinks he doth protest too much.
P Bess
July 1st, 2010
1:01 pm
WHO CARES IF HE IS GAY OR NOT!!! He is entitled to his privacy just as everyone else. He is a VERY talented man. So, Tyler keep doing what you do. Can’t wait for your next project!! The rest of you “Stop Hatin” cause you stuck in your going no where jobs and fixed incomes. Do you Tyler..love you!!
hotlanta
July 1st, 2010
1:02 pm
If a man isn’t chasing tail all day he is gay. If he chases tail all day he is a dog.
Michael
July 1st, 2010
1:04 pm
Shouldn’t satire at least be funny? That seems to be the piece McGruder can’t grasp.
Lucky One
July 1st, 2010
1:04 pm
TP needs to stop! The more he reacts, the more he is proving that the Boondocks episode must have had some truth to it. Anyone who knows anything about black gay men, will know that TP fits the mold:
1) the glamorous and powerful female friends he surrounds himself with (where are his “homies?”),
2) his religion (a lot of gay men are religious or struggle with it),
3) his Madea movies (the cross dressing, the ubber sexy men he uses in his movies, they are always written about Black women and their struggles to overcome bad Black men, the ‘motherly’ advice from Madea)
I can’t say that I haven’t enjoyed or appreciated TP’s movies, because I have. But the more he tries to defend himself, the more people are going to speculate. His best bet is to brush it off and keep it moving. This hissy fit is not a good look.
Not Fooled One Bit
July 1st, 2010
1:04 pm
Tyer Perry. Queen Latifah. Oprah. Gayle. Maya (with her agent, Helen). Shirley F/Luz. The list goes on and on. Just come on out like Ellen DeG and Clay A did. We all know it anyway. [Should Kasim be added to the list?)
The issue isn’t IF they are gay/homosexual, it’s the deceit they perpetrate on their (don’t want to believe it/naive)followers. Hypocrisy at its best. Just get real and deal with your reality, Tyler and others.
sharon
July 1st, 2010
1:05 pm
Lol @NYTN
Red Dog
July 1st, 2010
1:05 pm
Exploiting single black women with a lightskinned black dude with his shirt off….cha ching!!!
Next up, MADEA EATS A TACO, 42 million first week.
Hey black women, have you had enough of being misrepresented in his movies, or are you stupid enough to keep eating it up? Hey…in case you didnt know, he doesnt even like women, lol.
Big Jim
July 1st, 2010
1:07 pm
You folks still standing up for this bamboozeler?
Any of you women standing up have men in your lives?
Probably not!!
Debbie
July 1st, 2010
1:10 pm
I’m sittin’ here laughing at these comments. First of all, TP hasn’t addressed anything relating to “the show” in question…probably because ignorance doesn’t deserve attention. It’s one thing to do satire and parody it’s another to purposely take personal jabs. Apparently, AM has some deep rooted issues he’s struggling with that he needs to resolve. Trust me, TP can handle his business and will do so if he sees fit. As for the other foolishness, it doesn’t warrant discussion.
Please quit sexual profiling
July 1st, 2010
1:13 pm
IF Tyler is in the closet, isn’t it his closet. Paid for by his money. Who cares? Mind your own business. Either you like his show/plays or not. I am not a fan but I understand his right to keep his business HIS business.
Twon
July 1st, 2010
1:16 pm
Tyler Perry isnt gay. He’s a Queer
Ncontrol
July 1st, 2010
1:17 pm
I am not a big TP fan. I’ve seen some of his movies, but for the most part I don’t get the Madea thing. I’m African American and didn’t grow up with family members that behaved this way.
As for the Boondocks episode. I am also not a fan of BD but I watched this because of all the hype and thought it was funny.
@John Allen …CUTE! LOL
EMMA
July 1st, 2010
1:17 pm
It’s called ENTERTAINMENT!!!!!!
neal kelley
July 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
where are the damn aliens!!!!!!!!!!
Twon
July 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
Tyler is known for grabbing men Hang Dangs
Twon
July 1st, 2010
1:21 pm
I remember this one day he asked me to do the splits and i was like “NO”. He got mad at me
jay
July 1st, 2010
1:21 pm
@Singinchicken.
HILARIOUS!!!
Louise
July 1st, 2010
1:21 pm
This comment is direted to Who Give’s a Sh*t?…Sarah Palin …really…now if you want to talk about an idiot then you mentioned the right one.
Lucas
July 1st, 2010
1:24 pm
Why is Tyler Perry so upset? No one threatens to sue him when he makes fun of people in his plays. Such as Lil Kim, Bishop Eddie Long, Little Bow Wow – no one threatens to move there business because of him. Tyler, I expected so much more from you – its all comedy – you can dish it out, but you cant take it right?….LAME!
pw
July 1st, 2010
1:25 pm
WOW – even I am amazed at the vitreol on this post. What is wrong with you people. Who care if the man is gay or not. That is his business. Folks are always so quick to talk about someone else’s business when what they need to do is get to working it like Mr. Perry did for himself. He has not commented one way or the other. This is all speculation and “sources say”.
Get a clue people and create some success for yourself and stop being crabs in a barrel – always ready to claw someone back down to where you are instead of pulling yourselves up.
Uncle Ruckus ( NO Relation )
July 1st, 2010
1:26 pm
May white god bless you Tyler
EMMA
July 1st, 2010
1:27 pm
If you can’t take the hits get out of the ENTERTAINMENT business. EVERYONE gets hit on in one way or another. That’s the price you pay of being in the industry. I don’t give a doggone if TP is gay, striahgt, bi, black, white purple or green: TP when is the next movie? And as for AM: I have all of the boxed sets of Boondocks and can’t wait for this season to end so I can buy that as well!!!! PEOPLE live a little, love a lot, and laugh all day. This shouldn’t even be an issue. Sometimes people take things to seriously. Goodness. “Drop Soap N*@@A” LOLOLOLOL Ok, I couldn’t help my self.
Daniel Burse
July 1st, 2010
1:27 pm
The only thing Tyler is doing is giving the classless people over the Boondocks power over him. It’s funny to some people and not to others. Tyler makes fun of plenty of people himself. Tyler, you are doing it brother, you have a couple of franchises in the movie theaters and great shows on television. You should outclass these guys the same way you outclassed Spike Lee when he criticized you. Don’t get angry, just continue to make Great Entertainment Entities that have Legs!
Wow!
July 1st, 2010
1:32 pm
My mother always had a saying that went “Hit dogs always holler”. I will translate it for some of you very educated people in AJC land. I essentially means that when people are guilty, they always call attention to it. I wonder if this has struck a chord with Mr. Perry? Things that make you say hmmmm
Dee
July 1st, 2010
1:33 pm
Robin Williams, Martin Lawrence, Cedric the Entertainer, and countless others have dressed up and their orientation was never questioned. Tyler Perry has always believe that he was fooling the world as long as he condemned the gay society. I’m glad he’s being exposed –he has made money disowning gays in plays and tv while bending over in real life. I can’t wait til L. Gross, A. Payne write a book! Lance’s will be: WHY I COULDN’T GET MARRIED -
Truthpaste
July 1st, 2010
1:34 pm
While I respect the origins of the story coming from the L.A. Times (not mediatakeout again), I’m still wary at the non-named sources in this day and age. As you can see, this little blurb has taken a life of it’s own in the court of public opinion. Look at yourselves, arguing over rumor and innuendo. AM wrote a funny storyline, TWO WEEKS AGO. Another episode, funnier than this one, has come and gone but you fools are still crying about this one. I think TP is somewhere in his vault, counting his coins ans ignoring the whole thing.
Ms World Afrika
July 1st, 2010
1:35 pm
I love the fact that Arron McGruder says the things that we all are thinking… and its doubly funny in cartoon format. Most black people don’t like stereotypical, shuckin’ n’ jivin’ characters even if it is a black producer. Tyler Perry is just as much at fault at continuing the status quo for black actors that so many tried so hard to kill. Kudos to McGruder and Spike because we need more criticism of black actors and producers. Just because they are successful and black doesn’t mean that they are above critique.
William
July 1st, 2010
1:35 pm
Jim if it offends you then you should scream or protest or whatever makes you feel better. Don’t blame Black people, blame yourself for your silence.
EMMA
July 1st, 2010
1:35 pm
@Dee, Girrrrrrl that’s a good title for a book!!!!! I liikkkkkeeee
So, how did you make your first million?
July 1st, 2010
1:36 pm
I dressed up as a woman and made a movie………
No, that’s not gay at all!
ole leather-head
July 1st, 2010
1:36 pm
FUBU
Wanna know how I know you're gay?
July 1st, 2010
1:37 pm
Because you make money dressed as a woman.
Jerome
July 1st, 2010
1:40 pm
His work appeals to the lowest common denominator among us, kinda like white folks and fox news…
stacey
July 1st, 2010
1:49 pm
Boondocks is funny as heck! It get’s better every week! I like Tyler Perry but that’s on him if he took personal offense….hit dogs will hollar as my grandmother used to say
Chill1G
July 1st, 2010
1:50 pm
Let’s see, where does he stand legally, since the character Winston Jerome only bears his likeness. McGruder never once used Tyler Perry’s name. It seems to me, that technically Tyler is acknowledging that McGruder is correct – i.e., – he agrees that McGruder was referencing him as evidenced by his desire to sue him. I know Perry understands satire, which is what his portrayal of Madea is by default. Some people are much better at dishing out than they are at receiving it. We are learning more about Tyler than we knew because of this.
ATLguy
July 1st, 2010
1:51 pm
“Burst down those closet doors once and for all, and stand up and start to fight.” Harvey Milk
angelgirl
July 1st, 2010
1:59 pm
I really think you all need to mind your own business not his, if he is or if he it’s it’s not guy it’s none of your damm business. God has the last say so and he will deal with him. Stop being jealous of my man. what he does is all show biz and funny. cause if it was you you probally would of done it too. stop hatein. just think of it this way if god told you to stand on the top of a builiding dress like madonna and you will weep the harvest of great blessing in money would you do it or loose it all. The judgeing is left to the higher cheif.
I stand alone
July 1st, 2010
2:01 pm
I like Tyler Perry, gay or not! He has a message in his movies. Whoever said he’s demeaning black woman with his Madea character hasn’t met the mothers from The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, etc. Gun or no gun, back in the day Mamas were very much like Madea!
And, who ever said it’s our freedom of speech to speak ill about a public figure is wrong. You can’t say anything you want to the President of the United States. If you think I’m wrong, go up to him and try!!!!!
Stuart
July 1st, 2010
2:05 pm
When Ted Turner created Cartoon Network, CNN and some of the other networks they were worth watching. The suits at Time-Warner and their little consultant twits killed TBS. I watch TNT and TruTV but nothing else.
Gary
July 1st, 2010
2:08 pm
Dive by his McMansion everyday on my way to work. I am guessing he is thinking he can get a little more $$$ out of this. Power to him if he can. Still can’t figure out how he became so famous. Since when do we put a guys name infront of everything he is involved in as the title of the show? Larry David’s Sienfeld?…. Sounds weird.
Eric
July 1st, 2010
2:09 pm
Dee …..
Robin Williams, Martin Lawrence, Cedric the Entertainer, and countless others have dressed up and their orientation was never questioned. Tyler Perry has always believe that he was fooling the world as long as he condemned the gay society. I’m glad he’s being exposed –he has made money disowning gays in plays and tv while bending over in real life. I can’t wait til L. Gross, A. Payne write a book! Lance’s will be: WHY I COULDN’T GET MARRIED
Rarely do I ever respond to such ignorance, but when did Tyler Perry EVER condemn gays? What are you using for the basis of your stale opinion?
dream
July 1st, 2010
2:10 pm
IF TYLER PERRY IS NOT GAY I HAVE TO QUESTION EVERYTHING I THINK I KNOW IN THIS WORLD. I THINK THE ONLY PERSON WHO THINKS TYLER PERRY IS STRAIGHT IS TYLER PERRY. WHETHER HE IS GAY OR STRAIGHT IS NOT THE ISSUE. WHAT MAKES HIM THINK HE IS ABOVE SATIRE? SATIRE IS ALL OVER EVERYTHING HE DOES TO MAKE A LIVING SO HOW CAN HE TRY TO CENSURE SOMEONES VIEW OF HIM BY THROWING AROUND HIS WEIGHT. NO ONE SAYS HE HAS TO LIKE IT BUT HE DARN SURE CAN’T STOP IT.
mighty whitey
July 1st, 2010
2:17 pm
Who is Tyler Perry? What is Adult Swim?